Aftermath

The presents were so pretty under my tiny tree. Some of the packages were actually taller than the tree, but fortunately they were piled up on the floor below the cabinet that I set the tree on. Somehow the tree looked more magical with all those presents below it.

Now the remnants of those presents remain. I am always slow to remove them all to their appropriate places. I love to see them there as long as possible, until I need them, or it’s finally New Year’s Day and time to put away the holiday decorations. Sigh.

I’m not finished with Christmas quite yet, though. Mara just sent an email today stating my presents had just gone out in the mail. My parents found something under their tree that forgot to find its way south with the other packages they sent. I’m guessing that’s what is waiting for me at the FedEx office. I’ll pick it up after work tomorrow and then I’ll know for sure.

I’ve already used the gift cards and money that were sent. I’m always amazed at how fast monetary presents disappear. Shouldn’t I be able to stuff them away and save them for the rain? Oh, wait, this is Central Florida. It rains all the time here… My bad.

Christmas Day, Yaw and I both phoned our far-away loved ones and caught up on current events while extending our Merry Christmasses. The fur bellies scarfed their Christmas canned food and looked at me as if asking, “Where is the rest?” I told them the rest is the bag of balls, mice, feathers and other kitty-size toys I bought. I opened the bag and took out four or five small toys and tossed them to the waiting felines. It took very little time for the toys to disappear under door cracks, couches, fridge. More looks of askance and I told them they’d have to wait until I got up the guts to move furniture around before they’d get those toys back. I went back to playing with them with the laser light someone gave me a while back.

Deb, Mike and Ian came over Christmas Eve to exchange presents and spend a few minutes visiting. I tried to get Mr. Bond to climb the wall like he usually does when I take out the laser light, but he never really got the altitude he can reach. He did Christmas Day though. I feel certain it was related to the catnip in some of the toys.

Tonight when I got home from work, Barb across the way stepped outside and got my attention. She had something in her hand but it was dark and I couldn’t make it out. When I reached her, she handed me two small stockings that were stuffed with something and sewed shut. She said they were for my babies and to enjoy cleaning it up when they get done. I thanked her and made my way upstairs, Yaw following behind me. When I got in the house, I dropped the stockings on the floor and went to the kitchen to put down food before the fur bellies could raise a fuss. I needn’t have rushed. I have finally found out how to get into the house and take my time feeding the cats. Just put something with catnip in it down on the floor and go about your business. I should have thought of it years ago—the aggravation and ankle damage I could have saved myself. Oy!